Notable People & Places – Ghosts of DChttps://ghostsofdc.org
The lost and untold history of Washington, D.C.Thu, 22 Feb 2018 04:14:08 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.439910611Rare Photo of Frederick Douglass in Front of His Homehttps://ghostsofdc.org/2018/02/20/rare-photo-frederick-douglass-front-home/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2018/02/20/rare-photo-frederick-douglass-front-home/#respondTue, 20 Feb 2018 12:45:49 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=17872This amazing find was dug up courtesy of the National Park Service. You’re look at a grainy image of Frederick Douglass standing in front of his home on Capitol Hill at 320 A St. NE. The home still stands today and you can walk by it, looking almost the same. By the way, we also …]]>

This amazing find was dug up courtesy of the National Park Service. You’re look at a grainy image of Frederick Douglass standing in front of his home on Capitol Hill at 320 A St. NE. The home still stands today and you can walk by it, looking almost the same. By the way, we also shared this on Cool Old Photos.

1876. Photographer: W.W. Core, Washington, D.C. Frederick Douglass is standing on the front lawn of his home on A Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. Other family members are standing out on the front porch on both side of the houses.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2018/02/20/rare-photo-frederick-douglass-front-home/feed/017872Unfinished Jefferson Memorial in 1940https://ghostsofdc.org/2018/01/10/unfinished-jefferson-memorial-1940/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2018/01/10/unfinished-jefferson-memorial-1940/#commentsWed, 10 Jan 2018 13:30:20 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=17737This great photo shows the Jefferson Memorial back in 1940, before World War II. Source: National Park Service Here’s another cool one we dug up.]]>

This great photo shows the Jefferson Memorial back in 1940, before World War II.

Jefferson Memorial
]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2018/01/10/unfinished-jefferson-memorial-1940/feed/117737Best Photo of Unfinished Washington Monument in 1877https://ghostsofdc.org/2018/01/02/best-photo-unfinished-washington-monument-1877/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2018/01/02/best-photo-unfinished-washington-monument-1877/#respondTue, 02 Jan 2018 13:00:35 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=17734Many of you know that the Washington Monument sat unfinished for decades, an eye-sore of a stump on what would become the National Mall. Here is what it looked like in 1877, as seen from the Smithsonian Castle, so you’re looking west towards the Potomac. Source: National Park Service]]>

Many of you know that the Washington Monument sat unfinished for decades, an eye-sore of a stump on what would become the National Mall. Here is what it looked like in 1877, as seen from the Smithsonian Castle, so you’re looking west towards the Potomac.

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1877 view of the Washington Monument under construction as seen from the Tower of the Smithsonian (now the Smithsonian Castle)

Source: National Park Service

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2018/01/02/best-photo-unfinished-washington-monument-1877/feed/017734Incredible 1904 Photo of the Willard Hotelhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2017/12/15/incredible-1904-photo-of-the-willard-hotel/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2017/12/15/incredible-1904-photo-of-the-willard-hotel/#respondFri, 15 Dec 2017 12:30:01 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=17689This is one of the best photos we’ve uncovered in quite a while. Click on it for more. This is the new Willard Hotel around this year 1904. What a beautiful building, which thankfully still stands. Source: Library of Congress]]>

This is one of the best photos we’ve uncovered in quite a while. Click on it for more.

This is the new Willard Hotel around this year 1904. What a beautiful building, which thankfully still stands.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2017/12/15/incredible-1904-photo-of-the-willard-hotel/feed/017689Rare 1890s Photo of Old Executive Office Buildinghttps://ghostsofdc.org/2017/12/14/rare-1890s-photo-of-old-executive-office-building/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2017/12/14/rare-1890s-photo-of-old-executive-office-building/#commentsThu, 14 Dec 2017 12:30:38 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=17682Better known back then as the State, War, and Navy Building… This is a lovely old image of the historic and beautiful building. Click on it for a larger version. Source: Library of Congress]]>

Better known back then as the State, War, and Navy Building… This is a lovely old image of the historic and beautiful building. Click on it for a larger version.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2017/12/14/rare-1890s-photo-of-old-executive-office-building/feed/117682Stunning 1880s Photo of the White Househttps://ghostsofdc.org/2017/05/30/stunning-1880s-photo-white-house/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2017/05/30/stunning-1880s-photo-white-house/#commentsTue, 30 May 2017 12:30:57 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=17568You have to see this amazing old photo of the White House. This is a view of the President’s Mansion from the south. Source: Library of Congress]]>

You have to see this amazing old photo of the White House. This is a view of the President’s Mansion from the south.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2017/05/30/stunning-1880s-photo-white-house/feed/217568Where Did President Grover Cleveland’s Cabinet Live?https://ghostsofdc.org/2016/07/20/president-grover-clevelands-cabinet-live/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2016/07/20/president-grover-clevelands-cabinet-live/#commentsWed, 20 Jul 2016 11:55:58 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=17471Now this is a unique post for you. We came across a fascinating directory from the 53rd Congress (i.e., from 1893 to 1895 during Grover Cleveland’s second term in the White House). We wanted to do a little digging to see where the members of his cabinet lived and then map that on a Google …]]>

Now this is a unique post for you. We came across a fascinating directory from the 53rd Congress (i.e., from 1893 to 1895 during Grover Cleveland’s second term in the White House). We wanted to do a little digging to see where the members of his cabinet lived and then map that on a Google Map. Check out what we came up with.

For those of you who haven’t memorized the names of President Cleveland’s second cabinet, they are listed below.

Click on this interesting map to see who lived where. It’s interesting to see how close everyone lived to each other. Washington was a really different time back then, when leaders in all branches of government lived close to each other in D.C. and socialized outside of work.

Below is a photo of Cleveland’s last cabinet, which includes some of the members above. This was his cabinet his last year in office.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2016/07/20/president-grover-clevelands-cabinet-live/feed/117471Airplane Takes Off From Reflecting Pool Near Lincoln Memorialhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2016/07/14/airplane-takes-off-reflecting-pool-near-lincoln-memorial/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2016/07/14/airplane-takes-off-reflecting-pool-near-lincoln-memorial/#commentsThu, 14 Jul 2016 11:55:12 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=17455What a fascinating and bizarre old photo from 1923. You’ll clearly never see something like this again, not unlike the one we shared from the White House of an airplane taking off. Source: Library of Congress]]>

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2016/07/14/airplane-takes-off-reflecting-pool-near-lincoln-memorial/feed/117455Stunning Washington Monument at Night in 1933https://ghostsofdc.org/2016/03/28/stunning-washington-monument-night-1933/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2016/03/28/stunning-washington-monument-night-1933/#commentsMon, 28 Mar 2016 12:00:42 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=17348This beautiful old photograph of the Washington Monument, lit up at night, was taken in 1933. Click on it for some great details. Source: Shorpy]]>

This beautiful old photograph of the Washington Monument, lit up at night, was taken in 1933. Click on it for some great details.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2016/03/28/stunning-washington-monument-night-1933/feed/117348The Treasury Building in 1860, Before the Civil Warhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2016/03/09/treasury-building-1860-civil-war/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2016/03/09/treasury-building-1860-civil-war/#commentsWed, 09 Mar 2016 12:55:15 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=17330Do you recognize the Treasury Building? This photo shows it back in 1860, before the Civil War. Source: Library of Congress]]>

Do you recognize the Treasury Building? This photo shows it back in 1860, before the Civil War.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2016/03/09/treasury-building-1860-civil-war/feed/217330Incredible 1944 Photo of Lincoln Memorialhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2016/01/25/incredible-1944-photo-of-lincoln-memorial/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2016/01/25/incredible-1944-photo-of-lincoln-memorial/#commentsMon, 25 Jan 2016 12:55:35 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=17301is this one of the most impressive photos of the Lincoln Memorial? Source: Library of Congress ]]>

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2016/01/25/incredible-1944-photo-of-lincoln-memorial/feed/217301Aerial Views of Washington in 1922https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/12/31/aerial-view-of-washington-in-1922/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/12/31/aerial-view-of-washington-in-1922/#respondThu, 31 Dec 2015 12:55:21 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=17256These cool old photos shows the city back in 1922, as seen from the air. Source: Boston Public Library Source: Boston Public Library]]>

These cool old photos shows the city back in 1922, as seen from the air.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/11/23/president-eisenhower-and-queen-elizabeth-driving-down-pennsylvania-avenue-in-1957/feed/217246The White House in 1950https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/11/20/the-white-house-in-1950/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/11/20/the-white-house-in-1950/#commentsFri, 20 Nov 2015 12:55:41 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=17242This beautiful photo of the north side of the White House was taken in 1950. Click on it for more. Source: Martin Archer on Flickr Here’s another cool shot of the President’s House. Source: Flickr]]>

This beautiful photo of the north side of the White House was taken in 1950. Click on it for more.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/11/20/the-white-house-in-1950/feed/317242Rare, Stunning 1863 Photo of Capitol Buildinghttps://ghostsofdc.org/2015/11/02/rare-stunning-1863-photo-of-capitol-building/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/11/02/rare-stunning-1863-photo-of-capitol-building/#commentsMon, 02 Nov 2015 12:55:00 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=17236This incredible old photo of the Capitol Building shows it just after the new dome was completed in 1863. Source: Library of Congress]]>

This incredible old photo of the Capitol Building shows it just after the new dome was completed in 1863.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/11/02/rare-stunning-1863-photo-of-capitol-building/feed/117236The Smithsonian Castle in 1867https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/10/28/the-smithsonian-castle-in-1867/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/10/28/the-smithsonian-castle-in-1867/#commentsWed, 28 Oct 2015 11:55:29 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=17196Amazing old photograph of the Smithsonian Castle back in 1867, a couple years after the Civil War. Source: Smithsonian]]>

Amazing old photograph of the Smithsonian Castle back in 1867, a couple years after the Civil War.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/10/28/the-smithsonian-castle-in-1867/feed/217196You Won’t See the Capitol Like This Ever Againhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2015/10/14/you-wont-see-the-capitol-like-this-ever-again/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/10/14/you-wont-see-the-capitol-like-this-ever-again/#commentsWed, 14 Oct 2015 11:55:55 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=17189This photo of the Capitol Building from the 1960s is something you’ll never see again. The Capitol Dome under construction and a lot of cars parked out in front of it. Source: snipview.com]]>

This photo of the Capitol Building from the 1960s is something you’ll never see again. The Capitol Dome under construction and a lot of cars parked out in front of it.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/10/14/you-wont-see-the-capitol-like-this-ever-again/feed/817189Incredibly Rare 1860s Photo of Capitol Dome Constructionhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2015/10/08/incredibly-rare-1860s-photo-of-capitol-dome-construction/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/10/08/incredibly-rare-1860s-photo-of-capitol-dome-construction/#commentsThu, 08 Oct 2015 11:55:58 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=17234This very rare photo of the Capitol Dome under construction shows it as it looked during the early days of the Civil War. Source: Library of Congress]]>

This very rare photo of the Capitol Dome under construction shows it as it looked during the early days of the Civil War.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/10/08/incredibly-rare-1860s-photo-of-capitol-dome-construction/feed/117234What Did It Look Like Before the Jefferson Memorial?https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/09/02/what-did-it-look-like-before-the-jefferson-memorial/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/09/02/what-did-it-look-like-before-the-jefferson-memorial/#respondWed, 02 Sep 2015 11:30:54 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=17159Check out this great photo from 1908. The Jefferson Memorial wasn’t completed until 1943, so this is what the area looked like for another 35 years. Source: Flickr user Rob Ketcherside]]>

Check out this great photo from 1908. The Jefferson Memorial wasn’t completed until 1943, so this is what the area looked like for another 35 years.

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The view south from the top of the Washington Monument. Ice covers half of the Tidal Basin

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/09/02/what-did-it-look-like-before-the-jefferson-memorial/feed/017159President Hoover With Boys and Girls at The White Househttps://ghostsofdc.org/2015/08/10/president-hoover-with-boys-and-girls-at-the-white-house/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/08/10/president-hoover-with-boys-and-girls-at-the-white-house/#commentsMon, 10 Aug 2015 13:00:51 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=17126Here’s a cool old photo showing President Herbert Hoover with a large group of boys and girls at the White House. Source: Shorpy]]>

Here’s a cool old photo showing President Herbert Hoover with a large group of boys and girls at the White House.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/08/10/president-hoover-with-boys-and-girls-at-the-white-house/feed/217126President Kennedy’s Gravesite Under Construction in 1965https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/06/08/president-kennedy-gravesite-construction-1965/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/06/08/president-kennedy-gravesite-construction-1965/#commentsMon, 08 Jun 2015 13:00:09 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=17093This is a fascinating old photo from October 6th, 1965 at Arlington National Cemetery. The construction site shows what would eventually become JFK’s gravesite, the Eternal Flame. Source: Library of Congress]]>

This is a fascinating old photo from October 6th, 1965 at Arlington National Cemetery. The construction site shows what would eventually become JFK’s gravesite, the Eternal Flame.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/06/08/president-kennedy-gravesite-construction-1965/feed/417093Rare 1956 Color Photos Inside Griffith Stadiumhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2015/06/01/rare-1956-color-photos-inside-griffith-stadium/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/06/01/rare-1956-color-photos-inside-griffith-stadium/#commentsMon, 01 Jun 2015 13:00:00 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=17096These are so cool. We found them on Twitter by one of our favorite tweeters, @MLBcathedrals. These photos are from 1956 during the Major League Baseball All-Star Game.]]>

These are so cool. We found them on Twitter by one of our favorite tweeters, @MLBcathedrals. These photos are from 1956 during the Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

Griffith Stadium in Washington during the 1956 Major League Baseball All-Star GameGriffith Stadium in Washington during the 1956 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/06/01/rare-1956-color-photos-inside-griffith-stadium/feed/317096Matt Williams’ Grandfather Was a 1924 Washington Senatorhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2015/05/28/matt-williams-grandfather-was-a-1924-washington-senator/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/05/28/matt-williams-grandfather-was-a-1924-washington-senator/#commentsThu, 28 May 2015 13:00:10 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=17080No way. How did we miss this. A great article by Tom Boswell (who is the best) uncovers the fact that our current Washington Nationals manager, Matt Williams, is the grandson of Bert (Buck) Griffith, a member of the only team from Washington to win the World Series. Below is a short excerpt from the …]]>

No way. How did we miss this. A great article by Tom Boswell (who is the best) uncovers the fact that our current Washington Nationals manager, Matt Williams, is the grandson of Bert (Buck) Griffith, a member of the only team from Washington to win the World Series.

Matt Williams’ grandfather, Washington Senators’ Bert Griffith

Below is a short excerpt from the article.

Williams doesn’t mention the connection often, but he’s proud of it and says he has vague but very pleasant feelings about it, too. “There’s something there — something between my grandfather and me. Gramp got to play in this town for a fantastic team. And now I get to manage a fantastic team in the same city,” Williams said Monday. “It’s a very cool feeling.”

…

“I have relatives who’ve told me, ‘Boy, you sure look like Bert when he was younger,’ ” said Williams. “I remember him very well, even though he died when I was a boy — about 8. Gramp, nobody called him anything else, was a jolly, loud, barrel-chested man. He’d walk in a room, see a friend and say, ‘Hey, you ol’ so-and-so’ and jump into a conversation.”

The Williams family, including Matt’s three older brothers, lived in the small town of Big Pine, Calif., where Griffith had “a farm and a saloon with a restaurant.” Sounds pretty close to a heart’s-desire combo for a ballplayer born in 1896. “Very fond memories,” said Williams. “The baseball field in Big Pine was Griffith Park. . . . But when I was a boy he lived in Las Vegas, and we drove three-and-a-half hours to see him.”

Bert Griffith, no relation to Senators owner Clark Griffith, had a career more like “Moonlight” Graham from “Field of Dreams” than Hall of Famers such as Goose Goslin or Bucky Harris. He batted .299 in 620 times at the plate, but only a handful of them (nine) were with Washington in 1924. Then he was traded to Kansas City and never played in the bigs again. But his bonhomie seemed to bring him friends.

Bert Griffith – Washington Senators
]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/05/28/matt-williams-grandfather-was-a-1924-washington-senator/feed/217080Walter Johnson Hosts Event for Hunting Dogs on His Germantown Farmhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2015/05/22/walter-johnson-hosts-event-for-hunting-dogs-on-his-germantown-farm/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/05/22/walter-johnson-hosts-event-for-hunting-dogs-on-his-germantown-farm/#commentsFri, 22 May 2015 13:00:53 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=17055We found an interesting article about one of our Washington heros, Major League Baseball Hall of Famer, Walter Johnson. We’ve written quite a number of pieces about his baseball exploits over the years, as well as an interesting piece about his wedding in Columbia Heights, and the sad tale of his wife’s death. This piece …]]>

We found an interesting article about one of our Washington heros, Major League Baseball Hall of Famer, Walter Johnson. We’ve written quite a number of pieces about his baseball exploits over the years, as well as an interesting piece about his wedding in Columbia Heights, and the sad tale of his wife’s death. This piece covers his post-baseball life, in which he was heavily involved with his hunting dogs.

Below is an article that we found in The Washington Post printed on April 11th, 1937.

Walter Johnson holds open house tomorrow, Tuesday and Wednesday for hunting dogs at his 130-acre farm near Germantown, Md. This spring classic, known to the initiate as the National Capital Field Trials, gives to the ordinary person no idea from the name, of the fun and sport derived from watching these finely trained dogs work.

How perfectly natural and sporting for Walter, who during his baseball days never had the time to enjoy his dogs as he does now, to place at the disposal of the local club such a fine spot for the running of these events. Like last year, it will include stakes for working dogs and puppies as well as the all-age.

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Walter Johnson and his son Eddie in 1938

By the way, we haven’t yet done any research on this, but do any GoDCers out there know approximately where his farm was in Germantown?

The piece continues.

The general public is cordially invited to attend the trials and for the benefit of those who have never visited the Johnson farm, a word of direction may be helpful. Route No. 240 to Rockville, turn right to Gaithersburg and continue beyond it for 2 miles. Turn left at the church with the neon illuminated cross.

Oh, well there you have it. Do those directions make sense to any folks who live near Germantown or Rockville? I can’t find a route 240 on Google Maps anymore, so a little digging and it appears it was the former designation for Wisconsin Ave. departing D.C.

And regarding the farm, we did a quick Googling to see what we could find, and apparently no buildings from his farm stand today. The farm’s property is now occupied partly by Chesterbrook Academy, a preschool, and Seneca Valley High School.

Here’s the Google Map of the approximate location, which today is at 19400 Crystal Rock Drive, in Germantown.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/05/22/walter-johnson-hosts-event-for-hunting-dogs-on-his-germantown-farm/feed/517055Washington Monument’s Original Designhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2015/05/12/washington-monuments-original-design/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/05/12/washington-monuments-original-design/#commentsTue, 12 May 2015 13:00:03 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=17029This print shows Robert Mills’ original design for the Washington Monument, clearly a far more elaborate and ornate version of what we have today. Source: Library of Congress]]>

This print shows Robert Mills’ original design for the Washington Monument, clearly a far more elaborate and ornate version of what we have today.

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Robert Mills’s original design for the Washington Monument, Washington, D.C.

Source: Library of Congress

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/05/12/washington-monuments-original-design/feed/117029Old Photos of Dulles Airport Under Constructionhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2015/05/04/dulles-airport-under-construction/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/05/04/dulles-airport-under-construction/#commentsMon, 04 May 2015 13:00:19 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=17007Here is a great series of photos we found at the Library of Congress showing Dulles Airport during construction. And finally, here’s a post-construction photo from the parking lot, looking at the new terminal. Source: Library of Congress]]>

Here is a great series of photos we found at the Library of Congress showing Dulles Airport during construction.

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Dulles Airport construction model

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Dulles Airport tower being built

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Interior of Dulles Airport terminal

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Interior of terminal

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Dulles Airport terminal building

And finally, here’s a post-construction photo from the parking lot, looking at the new terminal.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/05/04/dulles-airport-under-construction/feed/317007Rare Photo of Walter Johnson and Gabby Streethttps://ghostsofdc.org/2015/04/30/rare-photo-of-walter-johnson-and-gabby-street/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/04/30/rare-photo-of-walter-johnson-and-gabby-street/#commentsThu, 30 Apr 2015 13:00:59 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=16979Here is a rare photo that we haven’t yet come across. We found it at the Detroit Public Library, of all places. Make sure you read the story about how Gabby Street was the only person to ever catch a ball thrown from the top of the Washington Monument. And, check out this great post …]]>

Here is a rare photo that we haven’t yet come across. We found it at the Detroit Public Library, of all places. Make sure you read the story about how Gabby Street was the only person to ever catch a ball thrown from the top of the Washington Monument. And, check out this great post which includes a radio broadcast of Walter Johnson calling a game.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/04/30/rare-photo-of-walter-johnson-and-gabby-street/feed/116979Washington Senators 1920 Spring Training Photohttps://ghostsofdc.org/2015/04/23/washington-senators-1920-spring-training-photo/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/04/23/washington-senators-1920-spring-training-photo/#respondThu, 23 Apr 2015 13:00:50 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=16987This photo shows the Washington Senators team during spring training of 1920. They came in sixth place out of eight that year, finishing 68-84. A short few years later, they would be world champs. Source: Detroit Public Library]]>

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/04/23/washington-senators-1920-spring-training-photo/feed/016987President and Mrs. Coolidge Go to World Serieshttps://ghostsofdc.org/2015/04/21/president-and-mrs-coolidge-go-to-world-series/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/04/21/president-and-mrs-coolidge-go-to-world-series/#respondTue, 21 Apr 2015 13:00:37 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=16960The Washington Senators were in the World Series in 1924, and ultimately would come away victorious. What you might not know is that Grace Coolidge (she also spent some time in Columbia Heights) was a huge baseball fan. Her husband, not so much. But she had plans to change that, at least for a night …]]>

The Washington Senators were in the World Series in 1924, and ultimately would come away victorious. What you might not know is that Grace Coolidge (she also spent some time in Columbia Heights) was a huge baseball fan. Her husband, not so much. But she had plans to change that, at least for a night to watch game six of the World Series against the New York Giants.

Below is an article that we dug up in The New York Times printed on October 10th, 1924.

Mrs. Calvin Coolidge, a baseball enthusiast, influenced the President today to attend the third game of the world’s series [sic] played in Washington. Apparently with some reluctance, according to White House officials, the President left his desk this afternoon and arrived at the ball grounds just a few minutes before the game started.

…

Before the game started, Judge Landis brought John McGraw of the Giants to the President’s box and introduced him. They chatted a few minutes and Mrs. Coolidge expressed the hope that Washington would win and tie the series. The manager of the Giants smiled as he left the box, when he met Bucky Harris coming in to greet the Presidential party.

Here are a couple photos of Coolidge at the World Series in Washington.

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Manager Stanley Harris, in the grandstand, presents President Coolidge with the baseball used to open the 1924 World Series (October 4th, 1924)

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Snaped before the last game of the World Series Snapped before the last game of the World Series (October 10th, 1924)

Mrs. Coolidge kept the score and the President got his information as to the players and status of the game from her. She was enthusiastic from the very beginning. The President tried to be impartial in his cheers, but as the contest progressed he rooted for Washington quite as much as did his wife. Her enthusiasm was spontaneous. She could not restrain herself from occasionally jumping from her seat and raising her hand in her joy. The President, however, applauded in rather a mechanically precise way until the fifth inning. Then at this critical exciting period when Washington scored her two runs, which gave her the final victory,the President rose from his seat and shouted like an unrestrained school boy.

It is certainly difficult to think of Silent Cal being boisterous and rooting wildly for the team. The piece continues.

Mrs. Coolidge certainly caught the fever today and spread it to those about her. She was distinctly a Washington rooter. She chatted with those in the adjoining box and several times called the attention of the President to a good play which induced him to give belated approval with his precise way of clapping his hands.

…

As the New York pitcher walked slowly from the diamond to the clubhouse, he approached the box of the President. Both the President and Mrs. Coolidge, expressing sympathy, cheered him as they did Peckinpaugh, who when injured in the ninth inning was carried from the field.

Mrs. Coolidge said as she left the game that she had had the greatest thrill of her life and that she intended to attend tomorrow’s game. President Coolidge said that he had never seen such exciting games as the two which he had attended of the world’s series and despite a press of work he, too, would be at the game tomorrow.

President Coolidge was consented to be photographed with the winning team tomorrow. Some of the players who recognize in Mrs. Coolidge a real sincere lover of the American pastime, have requested she pose with the winners as well. She may do so.

Here is great film footage of the 1924 World Series from the Library of Congress.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/04/21/president-and-mrs-coolidge-go-to-world-series/feed/016960Union Station Under Constructionhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2015/04/17/union-station-under-construction/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/04/17/union-station-under-construction/#commentsFri, 17 Apr 2015 15:00:42 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=16958This is a terrific photo that we dug up on Flickr. It shows Union Station under construction in the early 1900s. We also cross-posted this on Cool Old Photos. Source: Rob Ketcherside]]>

This is a terrific photo that we dug up on Flickr. It shows Union Station under construction in the early 1900s. We also cross-posted this on Cool Old Photos.

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Taken by Sidney Duff in Washington, DC. Union Station was completed in October 1908. Here, only one of the six statues have been installed over the entrance. Another photo from the set shows the Tidal Basin frozen over, causing me to guess that this is January 1908.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/04/17/union-station-under-construction/feed/416958President Johnson and Opening Day 1967https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/04/10/president-johnson-and-opening-day-1967/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/04/10/president-johnson-and-opening-day-1967/#respondFri, 10 Apr 2015 13:30:59 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=16920We’re way late on this, but better late than never. This is a terrific photo shared with by old GoDC friend Phil. Thanks for sending this along Phil, and so sorry it took a little extra time to post it. We’ve posted a couple first pitch photos before (i.e., Clinton, Kennedy), and here is one …]]>

We’re way late on this, but better late than never. This is a terrific photo shared with by old GoDC friend Phil. Thanks for sending this along Phil, and so sorry it took a little extra time to post it. We’ve posted a couple first pitch photos before (i.e., Clinton, Kennedy), and here is one showing LBJ.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/04/10/president-johnson-and-opening-day-1967/feed/016920When Was This Photo of the Lincoln Memorial Taken?https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/04/08/when-was-this-photo-of-the-lincoln-memorial-taken/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/04/08/when-was-this-photo-of-the-lincoln-memorial-taken/#commentsWed, 08 Apr 2015 13:30:50 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=16912GoDCers, can you help out? When do you think this image of the Lincoln Memorial was taken? Source: bluebird87]]>

GoDCers, can you help out? When do you think this image of the Lincoln Memorial was taken?

Here’s a great find from the Internet Archive. It’s film footage of a ticker tape parade in honor of Charles Lindbergh in 1927, after he successfully crossed the Atlantic in the Spirit of St. Louis.

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Charles Lindbergh with his plane, the Spirit of St. Louis
]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/03/27/charles-lindbergh-parade-in-d-c/feed/116880Military Blimp Floats Over Lincoln Memorialhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2015/03/26/military-blimp-floats-over-lincoln-memorial/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/03/26/military-blimp-floats-over-lincoln-memorial/#commentsThu, 26 Mar 2015 13:00:30 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=16878Check out this cool image from 1930. This is a military C-41 blimp floating near the Lincoln Memorial in honor of Abe Lincoln’s birthday. Also, you can check out film footage of this at Critical Past.]]>

Check out this cool image from 1930. This is a military C-41 blimp floating near the Lincoln Memorial in honor of Abe Lincoln’s birthday. Also, you can check out film footage of this at Critical Past.

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February 1930. Washington, D.C. “Army Airship C-41 lands on Mall and airmen, led by Brigadier General William J. Flood of the 19th Airship Company, place wreath at Lincoln Memorial, honoring Lincoln’s Birthday.”
]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/03/26/military-blimp-floats-over-lincoln-memorial/feed/116878Incredible 1935 View Looking Down From Capitol Domehttps://ghostsofdc.org/2015/01/09/incredible-1935-view-looking-capitol-dome/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/01/09/incredible-1935-view-looking-capitol-dome/#commentsFri, 09 Jan 2015 13:30:41 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=16598This photo is going to give you vertigo. It’s a view looking down from the Capitol Dome. Click on it for greater details. Source: Shorpy]]>

This photo is going to give you vertigo. It’s a view looking down from the Capitol Dome. Click on it for greater details.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/01/09/incredible-1935-view-looking-capitol-dome/feed/116598JFK Opposed Widening Chain Bridge Roadhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2015/01/08/jfk-opposed-widening-chain-bridge-road/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/01/08/jfk-opposed-widening-chain-bridge-road/#commentsThu, 08 Jan 2015 13:30:37 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=16571Sometimes we forget that famous people are also regular people with problems other than running a country. JFK was a young senator from Massachusetts when he lived off of Chain Bridge Road in McLean. He and his wife lived at Hickory Hill for a short period before selling the estate to his brother Bobby. We came …]]>

Sometimes we forget that famous people are also regular people with problems other than running a country. JFK was a young senator from Massachusetts when he lived off of Chain Bridge Road in McLean. He and his wife lived at Hickory Hill for a short period before selling the estate to his brother Bobby.

We came across an old article in The Washington Post from 1969 detailing Kennedy’s opposition to widening Chain Bridge Road from McLean into the District. Clearly this was largely motivated by his desire to keep his property on a quieter, less trafficked road.

Hickory Hill – the Kennedy estate on Chain Bridge Road

Below is an excerpt from the piece.

John F. Kennedy became a McLean resident shortly after becoming senator from Massachusetts. He played a leading role in determining the route of the future Dolley Madison Boulevard, McLean’s principal thoroughfare.

Mr. Kennedy was among those credited with persuading Virginia highway authorities to pursue a route across largely open fields rather than widen Chain Bridge Road which would have destroyed one of McLean’s most beautiful streets–which he lived on.

There was an aside in the piece with some other interesting factoids about McLean’s history:

The first effort to organize and develop a town center in the McLean area was undertaken in 1772 by Philip Ludwell Lee, who named the community Philee.

In 1790, it became Matildaville, named for Lee’s daughter and first wife of Henry (Lighthorse Harry) Lee. Matildaville was followed by South Lowell, Potomac, Lewinsville and Langley as organized communities in the McLean area.

Lewinsville and Langley combined to form McLean in 1910. The town was named for John R. McLean, publisher of The Washington Post and Cincinnati Enquirer and principal stockholder in the Great Falls and Old Dominion Electric Railway.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2015/01/08/jfk-opposed-widening-chain-bridge-road/feed/316571President Visits Cuban President at Embassyhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2014/12/17/president-visits-cuban-president-embassy/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/12/17/president-visits-cuban-president-embassy/#commentsWed, 17 Dec 2014 18:45:43 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=16537Here’s a cool old photo of President Calvin Coolidge visiting President Gerardo Machado at the Cuban Embassy on April 22nd, 1927. Source: Library of Congress]]>

Here’s a cool old photo of President Calvin Coolidge visiting President Gerardo Machado at the Cuban Embassy on April 22nd, 1927.

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President Coolidge calls on President Machado of Cuba upon arrival in Washington. President Coolidge with President Gerardo Machado of Cuba […]ides photographed at the Cuban embassy in Washington Chief Executive of the United States paid a return […]a’s President. President Machado had previously President Coolidge at the White House shortly after […]l in the National CapitalSource: Library of Congress
]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/12/17/president-visits-cuban-president-embassy/feed/116537President Woodrow Wilson Visits Southwest in 1913https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/11/07/president-woodrow-wilson-visits-southwest-1913/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/11/07/president-woodrow-wilson-visits-southwest-1913/#commentsFri, 07 Nov 2014 13:30:49 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=16353Here is an old photo from May of 1913, showing Woodrow Wilson in a car, driving around Southwest D.C. Source: Dig DC]]>

Here is an old photo from May of 1913, showing Woodrow Wilson in a car, driving around Southwest D.C.

Woodrow Wilson stands in the front of a convertible automobile stopped in the intersection of what was then N and Union Streets SW. Wilson, the driver of the car, and two woman in the back look east at something happening on N Street. A crowd gathered under a tree near the car and people in front of 485 N Street also look in the same direction. Two Secret Service agents look at the photographer. Written on the reverse is “Barney Neighborhood House, 470 N Street SW.” Wilson had only been President of the US for two months when the photo was taken.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/11/07/president-woodrow-wilson-visits-southwest-1913/feed/116353Dumbarton House (formerly Bellevue) on Q Street: George Washington Stayed Herehttps://ghostsofdc.org/2014/10/21/dumbarton-house-formerly-bellevue-q-street-george-washington-stayed/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/10/21/dumbarton-house-formerly-bellevue-q-street-george-washington-stayed/#commentsTue, 21 Oct 2014 12:30:56 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=16356This is a photo of a beautiful old mansion which still sits in upper Georgetown. Formerly known The home was called Bellevue and sat about 100 feet south of where it sits today on Q Street. Source: Dig DC If you haven’t visited this home, you should.]]>

This is a photo of a beautiful old mansion which still sits in upper Georgetown. Formerly known The home was called Bellevue and sat about 100 feet south of where it sits today on Q Street.

Que Street NW between 27 and 28, “Bellevue” Rittenhouse home, built about 1750, was the home of Joseph Nourse and Washington was a frequent guest here – #544

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/10/21/dumbarton-house-formerly-bellevue-q-street-george-washington-stayed/feed/116356World War I Allies’ Flags Flying at State, War, and Navy Buildinghttps://ghostsofdc.org/2014/09/24/world-war-allies-flags-flying-state-war-navy-building/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/09/24/world-war-allies-flags-flying-state-war-navy-building/#respondWed, 24 Sep 2014 12:30:49 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=16311How cool is this old photo from 1917? The French, U.S., and British flags were flying from the State, War, and Navy Building. Source: Library of Congress]]>

How cool is this old photo from 1917? The French, U.S., and British flags were flying from the State, War, and Navy Building.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/09/06/civil-war-photo-treasury-department/feed/016294Look at the Smithsonian and Capitol in 1865https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/09/01/look-smithsonian-capitol-1865/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/09/01/look-smithsonian-capitol-1865/#commentsTue, 02 Sep 2014 00:00:28 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=16272What an awesome photo from the Civil War era. You’re looking up what is Independence Ave. today. Source: Smithsonian Archives]]>

What an awesome photo from the Civil War era. You’re looking up what is Independence Ave. today.

View of the Smithsonian Institution Building looking east up B Street (Independence Ave) towards the U.S. Capitol. Grounds are landscaped following a plan laid out by Andrew Jackson Downing, with the Castle nestled among trees. Visible amidst the trees is the Magnetic Observatory, built in 1853. People stand along the fence installed along the sidewalk on B Street In this image, the central roof of the Castle is intact and the small towers have the caps on them. In January of 1865, a fire destroyed the central roof and the caps on the towers, so this photograph had to have been taken prior to January 1865 and is most likely April 1863. The Capitol dome, seen in the distance, is not yet completed

Source: Smithsonian Archives

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/09/01/look-smithsonian-capitol-1865/feed/216272Beautiful Western View of Washington Monument From Smithsonianhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2014/08/14/beautiful-western-view-washington-monument-smithsonian/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/08/14/beautiful-western-view-washington-monument-smithsonian/#commentsThu, 14 Aug 2014 12:30:40 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=16203What a beautiful view of the Mall from the Smithsonian. This was taken in the early 20th century. Source: Library of Congress]]>

What a beautiful view of the Mall from the Smithsonian. This was taken in the early 20th century.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/08/14/beautiful-western-view-washington-monument-smithsonian/feed/316203Nationals Ballpark Destroyed by Fire Three Weeks Before Opening Dayhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2014/08/11/nationals-ballpark-destroyed-fire-three-week-opening-day/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/08/11/nationals-ballpark-destroyed-fire-three-week-opening-day/#commentsMon, 11 Aug 2014 13:30:22 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=16190GoDCer Rych sent in a couple great photos which piqued our interest in the fire that destroyed our old ballpark. No, not Griffith Stadium (where was the stadium and what did it look like like?), but the one before that. The year was 1911 and the Washington Nationals (aka, Senators) were coming off a sad seventh …]]>

The year was 1911 and the Washington Nationals (aka, Senators) were coming off a sad seventh place finish in the American League. Only the miserable St. Louis Browns (becoming the Baltimore Orioles in 1954) were worse.

Opening day was just a few weeks away, coming up on Wednesday, April 12th against the Boston Red Sox (spoiler alert: we won 8-5). On March 17th, just before noon, the stands caught fire and spread to destroy the entire ballpark. Boundary Field, erected in 1891 was gone, and the Nationals were homeless.

That evening’s edition of The Washington Times reported that the “Grandstand and Bleachers Go In Mysterious Fire at Ball Grounds,” and that the opening series against Boston might need to be moved. It was said that the “fire spread so rapidly that the grandstand and bleachers on the north side of the park were burned to the ground almost before the firemen got the first pipeline laid.” As soon as smoke was spotted, Officer T.F. Sweeney sprinted to the police telephone box standing at 7th and Florida Ave. NW to alert the No. 7 Engine Company (you know these boxes … some still stand, but I’m not sure if this one does).

The fire spread around toward the north side of the grandstand and ultimately reached the bleachers in the outfield, bordering the lumber yard. Ironically, D.C. Fire Chief Frank Wagner was on a train coming back from New York — where we was viewing a new innovation: automobile fire engine — and he could see the smoke rising as he passed through the Eckington rail yards (check out a great photo of the yards). Less than 30 minutes later, the whole structure was a pile of burnt out ruins.

Go ahead and check out the article below.

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The Washington Times – Friday Evening, March 17th, 1911

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The Washington Times – Friday Evening, March 17th, 1911 (page 2)

Impressively, 700 men worked around the clock in eight-hour shifts to build the replacement National Park. The uncompleted, but ready for spectators stadium, was ready for the game against the Red Sox in a miraculous three weeks.

Opening Day went on as planned on April 12th. Walter Johnson arrived at one o’clock that afternoon by train and was escorted to the new National Park. Johnson immediately went into the front office where he signed his contract to play that season but wasn’t the starting pitcher in the afternoon game against the Red Sox. The crowd was estimated at 14,000, which included President Taft, who threw out the first pitch (the year prior was the first ceremonial first pitch ever in the U.S. by Taft at Boundary Field).

Work continued on the stadium while the team was out of town, and ultimately was completed in July of that year for a total investment of $100,000. The ballpark would be renamed Griffith Stadium in 1920 after Clark Griffith. It remained the home of the Washington baseball team until 1961 when the original Senators moved to Minnesota to become the Twins and the lousy expansion Senators came to town and took up residence at D.C. Stadium (now RFK Stadium).

Now, for some points of reference, take a look at the map below, and make sure to click on it for a much larger version. You’ll see where the stadium is, but also notice where West End Storage is located, near the yellow structure in right field. You can also see the storage building in the background of the first image after the map.

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1909 map of area around Boundary Field

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Firemen putting out the Boundary Field fire

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Firemen attempting to put out the fire at Boundary Field

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Fire at the DC Baseball Park (known as National Park or Boundary Field) – damaged photo

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aftermath of Boundary Field fire

Final spoiler alert: we finished in seventh place again in 1911. But, by 1912, we were second to the Red Sox.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/08/11/nationals-ballpark-destroyed-fire-three-week-opening-day/feed/116190Stunning 1910s Capitol Dome at Nighthttps://ghostsofdc.org/2014/08/08/stunning-1920s-capitol-dome-at-night/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/08/08/stunning-1920s-capitol-dome-at-night/#respondFri, 08 Aug 2014 23:28:22 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=16151How beautiful is this image of the Capitol Building? It was taken between 1918 and 1920. Source: Library of Congress]]>

How beautiful is this image of the Capitol Building? It was taken between 1918 and 1920.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/08/08/stunning-1920s-capitol-dome-at-night/feed/016151Check Out the National Cathedral Under Construction in 1925https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/08/06/check-national-cathedral-construction-1925/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/08/06/check-national-cathedral-construction-1925/#respondWed, 06 Aug 2014 12:30:26 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=16124This is an old photo from April 2nd, 1925, showing the National Cathedral under construction. Source: Library of Congress And here’s one of the interior under construction. Source: Library of Congress]]>

This is an old photo from April 2nd, 1925, showing the National Cathedral under construction.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/08/06/check-national-cathedral-construction-1925/feed/0161241923 View of White House South Porticohttps://ghostsofdc.org/2014/08/04/1923-view-white-house-south-portico/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/08/04/1923-view-white-house-south-portico/#respondMon, 04 Aug 2014 18:39:24 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=16160This is an excellent view of the White House’s South Portico. Make sure you click on the image for a much larger version. Source: Library of Congress]]>

This is an excellent view of the White House’s South Portico. Make sure you click on the image for a much larger version.

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South portico of the White House as seen through entrance from East Executive Ave., N.W.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/08/04/1923-view-white-house-south-portico/feed/016160Old U.S. Naval Observatory in Foggy Bottomhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2014/07/09/old-u-s-naval-observatory-foggy-bottom/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/07/09/old-u-s-naval-observatory-foggy-bottom/#commentsWed, 09 Jul 2014 12:30:46 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=16058This is a really cool film sent to us by GoDCer Michael. Thanks for sending, and sorry it took so long to post!]]>

This is a really cool film sent to us by GoDCer Michael. Thanks for sending, and sorry it took so long to post!

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/07/09/old-u-s-naval-observatory-foggy-bottom/feed/216058Amazing Photo of Washington Monument Apexhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2014/06/30/amazing-photo-washington-monument-apex/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/06/30/amazing-photo-washington-monument-apex/#commentsMon, 30 Jun 2014 12:30:37 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=16037How cool is this photo? It was taken by Theodor Horydczak in 1934. Click on the image for a much larger version and read the inscription at the top: “Repaired 1934, National Park Service, Department of the Interior.”]]>

How cool is this photo? It was taken by Theodor Horydczak in 1934. Click on the image for a much larger version and read the inscription at the top: “Repaired 1934, National Park Service, Department of the Interior.”

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Washington, D.C., circa 1934. “Washington Monument. Capstone without lightning rods.” 8×10 nitrate negative by Theodor Horydczak.
]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/06/30/amazing-photo-washington-monument-apex/feed/416037The Greatest Commencement Addresses in Washington, DC, Everhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2014/06/16/greatest-commencement-addresses-washington-dc-ever/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/06/16/greatest-commencement-addresses-washington-dc-ever/#respondMon, 16 Jun 2014 12:30:30 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=15997It’s that time of year, again. Commencement speakers address graduating college and university classes, and inevitably their speeches are ranked, assessed, complimented, and criticized. This year, both NPR and Vox.com have compiled the best commencement speeches ever. From the lists they created, we’ve found all the commencement addresses that happened in Washington, DC and posted them …]]>

It’s that time of year, again. Commencement speakers address graduating college and university classes, and inevitably their speeches are ranked, assessed, complimented, and criticized. This year, both NPR and Vox.com have compiled the best commencement speeches ever. From the lists they created, we’ve found all the commencement addresses that happened in Washington, DC and posted them below:

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/06/16/greatest-commencement-addresses-washington-dc-ever/feed/015997J.P. Morgan in Front of the Capitolhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2014/05/27/j-p-morgan-front-capitol/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/05/27/j-p-morgan-front-capitol/#respondTue, 27 May 2014 18:00:27 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=15994This is an old photo of J.P. Morgan walking in front of the Capitol Building in 1912. He was in town to testify before the Pujo Committee. Source: Library of Congress]]>

This is an old photo of J.P. Morgan walking in front of the Capitol Building in 1912. He was in town to testify before the Pujo Committee.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/05/27/1910s-night-photo-washington-monument/feed/015985Ladies’ Waiting Room in Union Stationhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2014/05/22/ladies-waiting-room-union-station/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/05/22/ladies-waiting-room-union-station/#commentsThu, 22 May 2014 12:45:08 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=15976Way back 100ish years ago, women would wait for their train in a separate waiting room at Union Station. Below is a photo of that ladies’ waiting room … which looks extremely sparse. This photo is from the 1910s. Source: Library of Congress]]>

Way back 100ish years ago, women would wait for their train in a separate waiting room at Union Station. Below is a photo of that ladies’ waiting room … which looks extremely sparse. This photo is from the 1910s.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/05/22/ladies-waiting-room-union-station/feed/615976Incomplete Washington Monument in Wood Engraving from 1882https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/04/28/incomplete-washington-monument-wood-engraving-1882/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/04/28/incomplete-washington-monument-wood-engraving-1882/#commentsMon, 28 Apr 2014 12:45:55 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=15887We found this cool wood engraving from 1882, meant to depict the National Mall looking from the South. In the image, you can see buildings like the Smithsonian Institution in the lower middle. Off to the left is the best part, though. Since the wood carving was created in 1882, the Washington Monument had not …]]>

We found this cool wood engraving from 1882, meant to depict the National Mall looking from the South. In the image, you can see buildings like the Smithsonian Institution in the lower middle. Off to the left is the best part, though. Since the wood carving was created in 1882, the Washington Monument had not yet been completed.

Our national capital, viewed from the South. Source: Library of Congress

As we’ve written about before, construction on the Monument was slow, and actually stopped because of a lack of funds, and the Civil War. It wasn’t completed until February 21, 1885. If you visit the Monument today, you can see where the construction stopped, because the stones are different colors.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/04/28/incomplete-washington-monument-wood-engraving-1882/feed/115887President Roosevelt’s Son, Quentin Goes Missinghttps://ghostsofdc.org/2014/04/25/president-roosevelts-son-quentin-goes-missing/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/04/25/president-roosevelts-son-quentin-goes-missing/#respondFri, 25 Apr 2014 18:45:16 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=15882This is clearly a headline that we wouldn’t see today. Sasha and Malia wouldn’t wander off the White House grounds the way young Quentin Roosevelt did, scaring his family and the Secret Service half to death. We found an article in The Baltimore Sun about young, mischievous Quentin Roosevelt printed on December 4th, 1907. Quentin Roosevelt, aged …]]>Quentin Roosevelt in 1902

This is clearly a headline that we wouldn’t see today. Sasha and Malia wouldn’t wander off the White House grounds the way young Quentin Roosevelt did, scaring his family and the Secret Service half to death. We found an article in The Baltimore Sun about young, mischievous Quentin Roosevelt printed on December 4th, 1907.

Quentin Roosevelt, aged 8, one time the protector of Pete, the White House bulldog and the charmer of snakes that terrified Cabinet members and sent chills up and down the spines of diplomats, gave the White House another jar today.

When time came to dress for dinner which is 7 o’clock, Quentin was nowhere to be found. Garret and cellar were searched, but no Quentin. Then the offices and grounds were hunted for traces of snakes or bulldogs or bonfires, but never a trace. The Secret Service squad was called out next, and a search of all Washington was begun for the truant.

With knowledge born of experience, a couple of men were dispatched to the humble home where lives a pretty little dark-haired, dark-eyed lass of 12 or 14 years, the object of Master Roosevelt’s affections. But he was not there; he had left two hours before, bound, so the girl said, for a snake and bird emporium.

Poring over their books at the Force School, and putting down 1 and carrying 2, Quentin and the little girl had first winked, then smiled and next he was walking home with two sets of schoolbooks under his arm. “Why hasn’t he got home yet?” asked the little girl, with dimpling cheeks and smiling eyes, this evening. “He left here at 4.15.”

“Does he come up every afternoon?” she was asked.

“Not every one. He has his music lessons.”

Quentin was finally found playing in Massachusetts avenue, a couple of blocks from the home of his little sweetheart and near the school. The detectives hustled him home.

The independence which has made his father famous is strongly developed in Quentin. Though he and his brother attend the same school, they seldom or never play together.

Yesterday a White House policeman was startled to see a cloud of smoke coming from behind the executive offices. Then he investigated and found a rudely constructed brick chimney with smoke pouring out and young Roosevelt gathering fuel. The policeman looked on for a while, warmed his hands and, being wise, never said a word, but took up a stand where he could keep an eye on the fire and fireman.

Presently the brother of a White House attache dashed almost breathless into the offices with the news that the place was afire. Tapping his brother on the shoulder, the inside officer, who had been looking out a back window, led him to where he could obtain a good view of the chimney and the fire man, who was pulling out baked potatoes.

Young Quentin was quite a precocious trouble-making child. Sadly, the young son of Teddy Roosevelt wouldn’t live to see his 21st birthday, as he died on July 14th, 1918, Bastille Day, in aerial combat over France.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/04/25/president-roosevelts-son-quentin-goes-missing/feed/015882World War II Photo of White House South Lawnhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2014/04/24/world-war-ii-photo-of-white-house-south-lawn/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/04/24/world-war-ii-photo-of-white-house-south-lawn/#respondThu, 24 Apr 2014 12:45:12 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=15829Here’s a photo we dug up at the Library of Congress, and it’s labeled as 1944 during the Easter Monday egg roll. Source: Library of Congress]]>

Here’s a photo we dug up at the Library of Congress, and it’s labeled as 1944 during the Easter Monday egg roll.

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Children and parents on lawn of the White House for Easter Monday egg roll

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/04/24/world-war-ii-photo-of-white-house-south-lawn/feed/015829Early National Cathedral Construction Photoshttps://ghostsofdc.org/2014/04/15/early-national-cathedral-construction-photos/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/04/15/early-national-cathedral-construction-photos/#respondTue, 15 Apr 2014 12:50:50 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=15822Check out this great series of photos of the National Cathedral under construction. Most of these photos were taken between 1932 or 1933. Source: Library of Congress]]>

Check out this great series of photos of the National Cathedral under construction. Most of these photos were taken between 1932 or 1933.

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view of National Cathedral under construction

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National Cathedral under construction

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National Cathedral under construction

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National Cathedral under construction

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National Cathedral under construction (1925)

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crowds gathered at National Cathedral on February 7th , 1924

Source: Library of Congress

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/04/15/early-national-cathedral-construction-photos/feed/015822Photo of Blair House Around 1918 as Private Residencehttps://ghostsofdc.org/2014/04/08/photo-blair-house-around-1918-private-residence/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/04/08/photo-blair-house-around-1918-private-residence/#respondTue, 08 Apr 2014 12:45:47 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=15810Blair House is shown in the photo from around 1918, when it was still a private residence. It wasn’t purchased by the government until World War II, in 1942. Source: Library of Congress]]>

Blair House is shown in the photo from around 1918, when it was still a private residence. It wasn’t purchased by the government until World War II, in 1942.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/04/08/photo-blair-house-around-1918-private-residence/feed/015810Amazing 19th Century Photo of the White Househttps://ghostsofdc.org/2014/04/04/amazing-19th-century-photo-white-house/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/04/04/amazing-19th-century-photo-white-house/#commentsFri, 04 Apr 2014 12:45:54 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=15802How cool is this old photo? Check out the White House as it looked in the late 19th century. It appears to be a view of a much more tree-laden southern view of the mansion. Source: Library of Congress Can anyone accurately date this image? The caption says between 1863 and 1893. Also, look at …]]>

How cool is this old photo? Check out the White House as it looked in the late 19th century. It appears to be a view of a much more tree-laden southern view of the mansion.

Can anyone accurately date this image? The caption says between 1863 and 1893.

Also, look at the image above … kind of looks like an iphone on it’s side right?

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/04/04/amazing-19th-century-photo-white-house/feed/615802Beautiful 1857 White House and Conservatory Photohttps://ghostsofdc.org/2014/04/01/beautiful-1857-white-house-conservatory-photo/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/04/01/beautiful-1857-white-house-conservatory-photo/#commentsTue, 01 Apr 2014 12:30:42 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=15805Whoa. This one is amazing. James Buchanan was the president when this photo was taken — unless it was early that year, then it was Franklin Pierce. Source: Library of Congress The conservatory was eventually demolished to be replaced by the West Wing.]]>

Whoa. This one is amazing. James Buchanan was the president when this photo was taken — unless it was early that year, then it was Franklin Pierce.

The conservatory was eventually demolished to be replaced by the West Wing.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/04/01/beautiful-1857-white-house-conservatory-photo/feed/115805White House on a Snowy Night in 1907https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/03/28/white-house-snowy-night-1907/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/03/28/white-house-snowy-night-1907/#respondFri, 28 Mar 2014 12:45:04 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=15792Check out this great old photograph from 1907. It shows the North Portico of the White House after a winter snow on February 18th, 1907. Source: Library of Congress]]>

Check out this great old photograph from 1907. It shows the North Portico of the White House after a winter snow on February 18th, 1907.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/03/28/white-house-snowy-night-1907/feed/015792Photos of the New Willard Hotel in the Early 1900shttps://ghostsofdc.org/2014/03/27/photos-new-willard-hotel-early-1900s/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/03/27/photos-new-willard-hotel-early-1900s/#respondThu, 27 Mar 2014 12:45:24 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=15772Here is a great series of photos taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston. They show the New Willard around the time of its completion in 1904. Source: Library of Congress]]>

Here is a great series of photos taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston. They show the New Willard around the time of its completion in 1904.

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registration desk at the New Willard

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dining room at the New Willard

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New Willard’s lobby

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The New Willard

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The New Willard

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The New Willard

Source: Library of Congress

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/03/27/photos-new-willard-hotel-early-1900s/feed/015772Metro Policeman Arrests U.S. President for Speedinghttps://ghostsofdc.org/2014/03/04/metro-policeman-arrests-u-s-president-speeding/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/03/04/metro-policeman-arrests-u-s-president-speeding/#commentsTue, 04 Mar 2014 13:45:18 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=15728This is one of the more interesting personal stories that we’ve uncovered. For a while now, we’ve heard stories about President Grant being arrested for riding his horse too fast in the city. This is amusing on two accounts, the first being the President driving a horse and buggy alone on the streets of Washington. …]]>

This is one of the more interesting personal stories that we’ve uncovered.

For a while now, we’ve heard stories about President Grant being arrested for riding his horse too fast in the city. This is amusing on two accounts, the first being the President driving a horse and buggy alone on the streets of Washington. The second, that he was actually stopped and arrested for speeding. Clearly, we wouldn’t see this today, even though, technically, POTUS‘ motorcade probably doesn’t obey the speed limit signs in D.C.

The most informative article about the incident was one that we found in The Washington Post, written by J. LeCount Chestnut on November 7th, 1925.

William West is the horseman who once arrested a president. He forced President Ulysses S. Grant to go with him to the police station where he booked the chief executive on charges of speeding. Grant was driving his favorite team of horses at what West thought was excessive speed. He ordered the president to stop, chased him down, gave him a lecture in approved modern traffic cop style, and then arrested him.

Grant and West became solid pals after the incident, and in one of their frequent chats West informed the president that he, too, was a speed maniac, and that while off duty he had been arrested more than 20 times for speeding. West owned a stable of fine horses that at once attracted Grant’s admiration, and provided for the two men a strong bond of common interest.

…

The day before Grant’s arrest a woman with a 6-year-old child had been seriously injured at West’s corner by a driver of fast horses. washington, after a series of such accidents, was conducting the same campaign against “reckless driving” of horses that modern metropolitan cities are engaging in today to check auto speeding. Grant had chosen the wrong time to dash by the corner of 13th and M Sts. his team thundering along at a furious pace. West shouted, the president’s team was brought to a standstill, and West approached him. “Well, officer, what do you want with me?” Grant asked.

“Mr. President,” was the reply, ” I want to tell you that you were violating the law by driving at reckless speed. Your fast driving, sir, has set the example for a lot of other gentlemen. It is endangering the lives of the people who have to cross the street in this locality. Only this evening a lady was knocked down by one of the racing teams.”

“I am very sorry,” said President Grant, “and I’ll promise that hereafter I will hold my team down to the regulation speed. Is the lady who was run down seriously hurt?”

But the very next day, however, the good intentions were forgotten, and General Grant came racing down 13th St. fast as ever. When hailed, he turned into M St. and was almost at 14th before he could stop. As West approached, Grant said, “Do you think, officer, that I was violating the speed laws?”

“I certainly do, Mr. President,” answered West, not a bit softened by the president’s query. “I cautioned you yesterday, Mr. President, about fast driving, and you said, sir, that it would not occur again. I am very sorry, Mr. President, to have to do it, for you are the nation’s chief executive, but my duty is plain, sir: I shall have to place you under arrest!”

1888 map of 13th and M St. NW

Part of me is a little skeptical that it went down exactly like this, but nevertheless … the story continues.

At the request of the president, Officer West got into the executive’s carriage, sat beside him and drove to the station house. Grant left $20 collateral, which was forfeited.

After this incident President Grant and Officer West grew very friendly and spent frequently hours at a time chatting. Their love of horses was the great bond of sympathy. Strange to relate, West himself was an inveterate fast driver. He confessed that he had been arrested at least 25 times for speeding.

Old timers around Washington yet remember West’s remarkable horse, “Dan.” This animal was so trained that when his master had cornered an offender, he would seize the culprit by the coat with his great front teeth. As a rule, the horse was careful not to catch a man’s flesh, but if the offender offered resistance the great teeth would grasp flesh along with clothing. The pair were a familiar sight for years at 7th and U Sts. N. W., where they were stationed.

There are a couple facts in this story that are different in other stories, but what seems to be consistent though, is that Officer West did arrest and book Grant. We found another story stating that Grant was arrested in 1866 before he was in the White House, and this is also true. He was arrested on April 11th, 1866 as well as July 1st for reckless driving. At the time, he was still a general in the U.S. Army. POTUS 18 had a penchant for speeding, so all three of these stories are true. The man liked to ride fast, and paid the price a few times.

Whatever the details are of this story, the fact is, President Grant was arrested just after the Civil War and Emancipation Proclamation by an African-American Washington policeman. That’s a terrific story and a great piece of trivia with which you can impress your history-loving friends.

West was listed in the 1900 U.S. Census living at 1025 3rd St. NW, with his wife of 32 years, Katherine and their six children. Sadly, like so much of D.C., the building is gone.

William H. West family in 1900 U.S. Census

By 1910, his wife had passed away, and he was living at 424 New York Ave. NW with two sons and a lodger. This building also appears to be gone.

William H. West in the 1910 U.S. Census

A decade or so after his encounter with President Grant, he had some trouble with the police force and was found guilty of neglecting his duties. Below is the article that we dug up from September 26th, 1884 in The Washington Post, detailing the account.

Officers William H. West and William H. White, of the police force, were tried last Wednesday before the trial board of the Metropolitan Police “for neglect of duty and indecently wrangling on political matters upon public streets.” The board found that the officers had stopped twenty or thirty minutes and entered into a conversation about matters not pertaining to their official duties and were also guilty of improper language on the public streets. Their sentence was a fine of $25 and in addition to be dismounted and transferred. … The rule referred to forbids officers from stopping and holding conversation with citizens while patrolling their beats.

If workplaces had this rule today, at least 75 percent of D.C. would be fined for surfing the web, checking Facebook, or chatting around the watercooler. Get back to work!

Washington Post headline – January 29th, 1898

In later years, Officer West ran into some more trouble according to an in The Washington Post, printed on January 29th, 1898. West was accused and tried for not paying a certain debt of $40. He had borrowed the money from a Mrs. Terrell, a local money lender. At the time, it was common for them to prey on underpaid police officers (similar to those shady payday loans today) and charge exorbitant interest rates. The loan agreement had him paying 10% per month until it was paid off. He ended up paying $72 in 19 months and then ceased paying. Ultimately, the case was dismissed as the laws of D.C. exempted debtors from paying any interest rate deemed usurious.

Washington Post headline – June 30th, 1901

He again shows up in the papers on June 30th, 1901 after being arrested for disorderly conduct in Mt. Vernon Square, following an argument.

Policeman William H. West, who has been before the trial board several times on charges of conduct unbecoming an officer, was arrested in Mount Vernon Square early last evening charged with disorderly conduct. At the First precinct station Lieut. Amiss directed that he be stripped of his badge and revolver and suspended. The lieutenant will make a report on the case to Maj. Sylvester this morning.

West is a negro, about fifty-eight years of age, and has been on the force many years. He gained notoriety soon after his appointment by arresting President U. S. Grant for riding horseback on a pavement. He is fond of blooded horses, and was a mounted policeman for several years.

He drove to the restaurant of Charles H. Dismer, at 708 K street northwest, early last evening. Lindsey Madre, a negro youth, was engaged to mind his team. When West returned to the vehicle he is said to have given Madre a tip of 5 cents. This started an argument, and Madre demanded more money for his services. The quarrel resulted in West and Madre going across the street to Mount Vernon Square, where their fight attracted the attention of the neighborhood. Policemen Hooper and McDonnell, of the First precinct, ran to the scene and arrest both men for disorderly conduct. They were released on $5 collateral each.

We dug up a little more on Lindsey Madre, who was born some time near 1873. In the 1910 city directory, he was listed as living at 807 Barry Pl., which is just west of Georgia Ave., near the McDonald’s and south of the baseball field.

Lindsey Madre in the 1910 city directory

In the 1920 U.S. Census, he’s still listed at the same address with the occupation of bootblack (i.e., shoe shiner). He was living with his wife Annie and daughter, Odesa under the roof of his in-laws, the Freemans.

Lindsey Madre in the 1920 U.S. Census
]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/03/04/metro-policeman-arrests-u-s-president-speeding/feed/115728Great Civil War Photo of Arlington House and Soldiershttps://ghostsofdc.org/2014/03/04/great-civil-war-photo-arlington-house-soldiers/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/03/04/great-civil-war-photo-arlington-house-soldiers/#respondTue, 04 Mar 2014 13:25:49 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=15737Check out this great photo shared by GoDCer Matthew. Thanks for sharing! ]]>

Check out this great photo shared by GoDCer Matthew. Thanks for sharing!

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1864 photo of Arlington House

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/03/04/great-civil-war-photo-arlington-house-soldiers/feed/015737History Behind Lion Statues in House of Cards Opening Creditshttps://ghostsofdc.org/2014/02/20/history-behind-lion-statues-house-cards-opening-credits/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/02/20/history-behind-lion-statues-house-cards-opening-credits/#commentsThu, 20 Feb 2014 21:15:06 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=15634Everyone is House of Cards crazy, and so are we. That’s why we wrote this post on Super Liquors, shown in the opening credits. We’re just waiting on the call for our appearance in season three. Beau Willimon and team, you can just email me at frank.underwood@ghostsofdc.org to get in touch. Have you noticed the …]]>

Everyone is House of Cards crazy, and so are we. That’s why we wrote this post on Super Liquors, shown in the opening credits. We’re just waiting on the call for our appearance in season three. Beau Willimon and team, you can just email me at frank.underwood@ghostsofdc.org to get in touch.

Have you noticed the great time-lapse shots in the opening credits of House of Cards? There’s a great one of a lion looking up to the starry night sky. If you’re good with local D.C. sites, you know that it’s one of the four lions sitting at the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial by the Capitol Reflecting Pool.

Naturally, in true Ghosts of DC fashion, we’re going to dig up a little history on the lions to give you some great conversation topics for your next dinner party.

Ulysses S. Grant memorial in House of Cards opening credits

First, a little about the Grant Memorial. The former president and Civil War general just missed out on getting a memorial bridge named for him, crossing the Potomac. We wrote two posts about that a while back, including some great old drawings of what it could have looked like. Well, he did get a memorial in the District, just not as glamorous as some other presidents. And now, Grant will be pleased to know that he’s been immortalized even further in the House of Cards opening credits, as his monument is featured prominently.

The memorial was authorized by Congress in 1901 with the total amount of $250,000, and 23 sculptors competed for the commission. The man who was selected was Henry Merwin Shrady, a self-taught sculptor, and interestingly, the son of the attending physician when Grant was suffering from throat cancer. Sadly, Shrady died just two weeks prior to the dedication in 1922.

Ulysses S. Grant memorial lion in House of Cards opening credits

Back to the lions … on April 28th, 1912 — 13 days after Titanic went to the bottom of the Atlantic — an article in The Washington Post stated that the lions had been successfully put in place after the memorial had been under construction for eight years. Eight years and only the lions were in place! Below is an excerpt from the piece.

According to the contract the whole is to be completed in the summer of 1913. Henry M. Shrady, the New York sculptor, and Edward Pierce Casey, an architect of that city, are the designers. The statue of Gen. Grant, which is to stand in the center of the 200-foot structure, has not yet been molded.

Ha! … 1913.

We dug up another interesting article from The Washington Post, printed on April 2nd, 1916 (four days later, the Chicago Cubs played their first game at Wrigley Field).

Four bronze lions, said to be exact copies of those on the Trafalgar Square Lord Nelson monument in London, couchant on flags presumed to be the American colors, form a group on the Grant monument in the Botanic Garden, which is attracting much comment at present because of the un-American idea the lions convey by reason of their position over the flags. Although the group has been in position for some time, this peculiar feature has apparently escaped notice until recently. The additions just being made attracted closer attention, however from the casual observer.

…

The fact that the lions are copies of the British lions on the Trafalgar Square monument in England and the sight of the flag stretched under their bodes have caused many tourists and other observers to wonder just what the motif of the group is intended to express.

To an artist perhaps the proud attitude of the crouching figures might convey an air of heroic protection, but to the ordinary mind this same proud appearance might mean haughty possession, and it is this latter impression, probably, which has caused the inquiries raised.

The Grant monument, when completed, will be a notable addition to those already adorning Washington’s parks and drives. Besides the main section, on which the lion group is situated, one section, composed of an artillery group, and other wing, now being completed, will be adorned by bronze cavalry group.

The flags, of course, were metaphors for Grant protecting the Union during the Civil War (er, I mean the War of Northern Aggression).

Here’s a terrific photo of one of the Trafalgar Square lions. It doesn’t really look like the Grant lions are exact replicas of the ones in London.

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Trafalgar Square lion

One final article that we came across was a letter to the editor of The Washington Post, printed on April 28th, 1902 (on April 2nd, the first movie theater in the U.S. opened in Los Angeles, called the Electric Theatre). The author, Nat. Thomas, was not impressed by the selection of lions and suggested that Grant be represented by a different beast, possibly an elephant.

…

Of the quartet of lions surrounding the main group of Grant and his horse, two of them, “in the dejected havior of their visages” might serve a purpose as a study in therapeutics. They certainly look sick, and need healing. The artist relieves that monotony in his study of the other two, and need healing. The artist relieves that monotony in his study of the other two, and puts them in something like an attitude of prayer. it is fair to supposed that their supplications are for the two that are sick.

But what is there in the nature of the lion that he should be chosen to embellish a sculptured memorial of U. S. Grant? Naturalists are about agreed that the most there is to that overrated old feline of the desert and the veldt is a good-sized roar. To be sure, there are many men also whose roar is a pronounced feature of their make-up, but I never heard that characteristic was especially prominent in the man who never lost a battle. If the artist must employ a quadruped to typify the character of Grant, why not take the elephant, of make up a composite from several animals, wild and domestic, that are well known and might be mentioned.

Hmm, I do like elephants. The gentle giants of nature. But check out the awesome shots from the House of Cards opening credits below. The lion looks awesome and regal. No offense to all the elephants out there.

Now, to close out this House of Cards history piece, we found a large number of photos from the statue’s construction and dedication. Check out a few of them below. Thanks again to the Library of Congress for their awesome archives.

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Grant memorial in 1911

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Grant memorial surrounded by fence in 1911

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Grant memorial in 1911

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Grant memorial lions in 1917

And finally, one great photo of Grant’s statue being hoisted into place in 1920.

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Grant’s statue being put in place 1920

I plan on wrapping up the rest of season two tonight! No spoilers please.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/02/20/history-behind-lion-statues-house-cards-opening-credits/feed/6156341901 Film of President McKinley and Parade Going to Capitolhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2014/02/19/1901-film-president-mckinley-parade-going-capitol/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/02/19/1901-film-president-mckinley-parade-going-capitol/#respondWed, 19 Feb 2014 14:45:11 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=15563What a cool video! This was a find on the Library of Congress website. Below is the description from the site. “This most excellent picture was secured at the junction of Pennsylvania Avenue and Fifteenth Street. The parade is headed by a platoon of mounted police; next comes the Grand Marshal, Major- General Francis V. …]]>

What a cool video! This was a find on the Library of Congress website. Below is the description from the site.

“This most excellent picture was secured at the junction of Pennsylvania Avenue and Fifteenth Street. The parade is headed by a platoon of mounted police; next comes the Grand Marshal, Major- General Francis V. Green, and staff, as follows: A. Noel Blakeman, Lieut. Col. John S. Johnson, Major-General N.E. Thompson, U.S.A., Brigadier-General U.S.W. Day, U.S.V., Lieut. Winfield S. Overton, U.S.A., all mounted on splendid horses. Next come the famous Troop A, of Cleveland, Ohio, who act as the personal escort of the President. They present a most striking appearance as they go down the incline on Fifteenth Street, Washington. Next comes President McKinley in his carriage drawn by four of his own horses, the pair of blacks in the lead and the favorite bays on the wheel. The President is seated in the right of the carriage with Senator Hanna on the left beside him, and facing them, with their backs to the driver, are seated Representatives Cannon and McRae. Owing to special permits granted us by the United States Government, we were able to have our camera within twenty feet of the President’s carriage when it passed, and an absolutely perfect photograph was secured. The President’s carriage is followed by Secretaries Hay and Gage. The third carriage contains Secretary Root, Attorney-General Griggs and the President’s Private Secretary Cortelyou. The fourth carriage contains Secretaries Long, Wilson, Hitchcock and Postmaster-General Smith. The fifth carriage contains Lieutenant-General Miles and Admiral Dewey. We also present excellent pictures of the Admiral of the Navy and the General commanding the United States Army as they pass. This picture closes up by showing a detachment of Veterans of the Twenty-third Ohio Volunteers, followed closely by the West Point Cadets, who present a remarkable spectacle as they execute left wheel turning from Fifteenth Street into Pennsylvania Avenue. Length 125 feet. $18.75”–Edison films catalog, July, 1901, p. 8.

Below is a photo we found of McKinley in a carriage, riding through the streets of Oakland, also in 1901.

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President McKinley in Oakland (1901)
]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/02/19/1901-film-president-mckinley-parade-going-capitol/feed/015563What Did Walter Johnson’s Voice Sound Like? Listen To This 1939 Senators Broadcast.https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/02/12/what-did-walter-johnsons-voice-sound-like-listen-to-this-1939-senators-broadcast/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/02/12/what-did-walter-johnsons-voice-sound-like-listen-to-this-1939-senators-broadcast/#commentsWed, 12 Feb 2014 13:45:56 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=15565It’s been extremely difficult for me to track down any audio recording of the greatest pitcher of all time, Walter Johnson. We have written so much about him, and yet, we have no idea what is voice sounded like … that is, until now. Thanks to the magic of the Internet Archive — one of …]]>

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Walter Johnson in 1939

It’s been extremely difficult for me to track down any audio recording of the greatest pitcher of all time, Walter Johnson. We have written so much about him, and yet, we have no idea what is voice sounded like … that is, until now. Thanks to the magic of the Internet Archive — one of the greatest resources known to man — we were able to surface this audio recording from 1939.

On Thursday, September 21st, 1939, the D.C. radio station WJSV recorded the full broadcast for the day. Between 4pm and 5:17 pm, they broadcast the Washington Senators home game against the Cleveland Indians. To give you some context, that month was the beginning of World War II, with Germany invading Poland on the 1st.

The game picks up in the middle of the fourth inning with the Senators coming up to bat. Johnson’s voice can be heard starting around 1:36, and I can say, it’s not what I expected it to be.

How cool is this? Only 5,000 people were in attendance and the Senators lost to the Indians 6 to 3. Below is the box score and recap from The Washington Post the following day.

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9/2/1939 box score

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/02/12/what-did-walter-johnsons-voice-sound-like-listen-to-this-1939-senators-broadcast/feed/315565Where Was Griffith Stadium?https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/01/23/griffith-stadium/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/01/23/griffith-stadium/#commentsThu, 23 Jan 2014 15:30:49 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=15345This is cool. I’ve had a few questions over the years about Griffith Stadium, and specifically, where it stood. We dug up a map from 1921 and it gives a great perspective on the ballpark and surrounding neighborhood. Source: Library of Congress Take this map above and match try and match it up to the …]]>

This is cool. I’ve had a few questions over the years about Griffith Stadium, and specifically, where it stood. We dug up a map from 1921 and it gives a great perspective on the ballpark and surrounding neighborhood.

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map around Griffith Stadium

Source: Library of Congress

Take this map above and match try and match it up to the images of Griffith Stadium at the bottom. The map will allow you to orient yourself and see where the stadium was situated. The Soldiers Home on the right is not part of the contiguous map. It’s actually slightly north and east of the stadium.

When you start looking at the map and the photos, it gets really interesting. You can make out the neighborhoods, buildings that were demolished, and those that remained. Pretty interesting right? For those of you who don’t know, the ballpark was situated where Howard University Hospital sits today, just east of Georgia Ave. and north of Florida Ave.

Now, here are some photos of the stadium to study and match up to the map.

Griffith Stadium from the air

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Griffith StadiumGriffith StadiumGriffith Stadium in 1960

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right field at Griffith Stadium between 1909 and 1932

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Griffith Stadium

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looking towards the infield from right field

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Griffith Stadium illustrationpanoramic view of right field

View from stands w/ Howard University in background (1950s)

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1958 game between Yankees and Senators

We also came across a site dedicated to the long-lost stadium. Check it out here.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/01/23/griffith-stadium/feed/115345The Day Joe Gibbs ‘Retired’https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/01/13/day-joe-gibbs-retired/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/01/13/day-joe-gibbs-retired/#commentsMon, 13 Jan 2014 19:00:20 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=15199Sportscaster Steve Buckhantz is best known as the long-time TV play-by-play voice for the Washington Wizards. But in early 1993, when he was sports director at WTTG-TV (Channel 5), he scored one of Washington’s most stunning sports scoops, breaking the news that the legendary Joe Gibbs planned to retire as coach of the Washington Redskins at the tender age of …]]>

Sportscaster Steve Buckhantz is best known as the long-time TV play-by-play voice for the Washington Wizards.

But in early 1993, when he was sports director at WTTG-TV (Channel 5), he scored one of Washington’s most stunning sports scoops, breaking the news that the legendary Joe Gibbs planned to retire as coach of the Washington Redskins at the tender age of 52.

Joe Gibbs in 1992

Buckhantz tells the story in ‘The Great Book of Washington DC Sports Lists’ compiled by Andy Pollin and Len Shapiro.

After finishing his 10 pm sportscast, Steve headed for Champions bar and restaurant over in Fairfax. “About 12:30 am my buddy Jim Speros comes up to me and says his dad (who had worked for the Redskins) told him that Joe Gibbs was about to retire,” Buckhantz recalls in the book.

That news was simply unbelieveable and would have been easy to dismiss. After all, Gibbs was only one season away from winning the Super Bowl in 1991.

“I told him he was crazy but then you hear something like that you have to check it out,” Buckhantz recalled.

“I got up at 6 o’clock in the morning (an hour I never saw) and called ‘Skins General Manager Charlie Casserly at home. His wife said he was swimming.

“Oy Vey. I called back at 6:45 am and managed to get him.”

“You can say Gibbs is retiring because of health reasons, none of which are life threatening, and that Richie Petitbon will take over as head coach,” Casserly told him. The unbelievable turned out to be true.

“By telephone in my underwear I reported the story live for Channel 5,” Buchantz said. “It soon became one of the biggest sports days in Washington history.”

The Redskins had planned to hold the news through the weekend. But after the story broke, Gibbs was forced to return from Richmond, Va. where had a speaking engagement for a news conference at Redskins Park.

“When he saw me, his eyes rolled to the back of head,” Buckhantz remembered.

Of course, Gibbs would return 11 years later, for a second and far less successful tenure as Redskins’ head coach from 2004 to 2008 in the Dan Snyder era.

But Steve’s retirement scoop stirs poignant memories. Especially since the Redskins just named a new coach with the initials J-G.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/01/13/day-joe-gibbs-retired/feed/115199Photos of The Beatles in Washington, D.C.https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/01/03/photos-beatles-washington-d-c/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/01/03/photos-beatles-washington-d-c/#commentsFri, 03 Jan 2014 13:55:45 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=15081We wrote some posts about The Beatles a long time ago, like this one about their first concert and this one about them playing D.C. Stadium. It’s been a really long time since we posted about The Fab Four — and it’s one of the most searched terms on our site — so, here’s some …]]>

We wrote some posts about The Beatles a long time ago, like this one about their first concert and this one about them playing D.C. Stadium. It’s been a really long time since we posted about The Fab Four — and it’s one of the most searched terms on our site — so, here’s some more D.C. Beatles-related content.

So, here are a bunch of photos we found related to their trip to D.C., taking the train from New York to Union Station on February 11th, 1964.

How great are these photos? It really makes them seem like boys, horsing around on the train, having the time of their lives. They’re in their early twenties and they’re on top of the world.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/01/03/photos-beatles-washington-d-c/feed/4150811936 View of the National Mallhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2014/01/02/1936-view-national-mall/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/01/02/1936-view-national-mall/#respondThu, 02 Jan 2014 15:00:47 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=15051What a great photo from 1936. This shows the National Mall as viewed from the Capitol. Source: Cornell University Library]]>

What a great photo from 1936. This shows the National Mall as viewed from the Capitol.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/01/02/1936-view-national-mall/feed/015051Military Officers Celebrate New Year’s at White Househttps://ghostsofdc.org/2014/01/01/military-officers-celebrate-new-years-white-house/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/01/01/military-officers-celebrate-new-years-white-house/#respondWed, 01 Jan 2014 13:45:42 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=15067Happy New Year! I hope 2014 is a great year for you and all GoDCers … while you recover from whatever you did last night, check out this old photo from January 1st, 1925. It shows a group of military officers, 89 years ago today, visiting the White House. Source: Library of Congress]]>

Happy New Year! I hope 2014 is a great year for you and all GoDCers … while you recover from whatever you did last night, check out this old photo from January 1st, 1925. It shows a group of military officers, 89 years ago today, visiting the White House.

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Army Officers at New Year reception, [Washington, D.C.], 1/1/25Source: Library of Congress
]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2014/01/01/military-officers-celebrate-new-years-white-house/feed/015067Mantle vs. Killebrew Home Run Derbyhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/31/mantle-vs-killebrew-home-run-derby/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/31/mantle-vs-killebrew-home-run-derby/#respondTue, 31 Dec 2013 15:15:13 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=15065Now this is a really cool old video that we uncovered on YouTube. It shows a home run derby between Mickey Mantle and Harmon Killebrew. From our Wikipedia research, it looks like this was filmed in 1960, just before the team moved to Minnesota to become the Twins.]]>

Now this is a really cool old video that we uncovered on YouTube. It shows a home run derby between Mickey Mantle and Harmon Killebrew. From our Wikipedia research, it looks like this was filmed in 1960, just before the team moved to Minnesota to become the Twins.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/31/mantle-vs-killebrew-home-run-derby/feed/0150651936 View of the Washington Monument from the Capitolhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/29/1936-view-washington-monument-capitol/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/29/1936-view-washington-monument-capitol/#commentsSun, 29 Dec 2013 13:45:26 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=15048This is a beautiful photo taken from the Capitol Building in 1936, looking down the Mall at the Washington Monument and the Smithsonian. Source: Cornell University Library]]>

This is a beautiful photo taken from the Capitol Building in 1936, looking down the Mall at the Washington Monument and the Smithsonian.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/29/1936-view-washington-monument-capitol/feed/115048Tip of the Washington Monumenthttps://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/27/tip-washington-monument/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/27/tip-washington-monument/#commentsFri, 27 Dec 2013 15:30:51 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=15017You’ve probably seen amazing views of the Washington Monument like this: or maybe like this (and if not, then here it is for the first time!): But you probably haven’t seen the very tip of the Washington Monument. Here is an amazing, high resolution, image of the aluminum cap of the Monument. ]]>

You’ve probably seen amazing views of the Washington Monument like this:

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Library of Congress

or maybe like this (and if not, then here it is for the first time!):

Library of Congress

But you probably haven’t seen the very tip of the Washington Monument. Here is an amazing, high resolution, image of the aluminum cap of the Monument.

Library of Congress

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/27/tip-washington-monument/feed/215017Beautiful Snowy Photo of the Capitolhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/26/beautiful-snowy-photo-capitol/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/26/beautiful-snowy-photo-capitol/#commentsThu, 26 Dec 2013 16:12:48 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=15031Thanks to GoDCer Mollie for sending this in. It looks like a photo from sometime in the 1920s.]]>

Thanks to GoDCer Mollie for sending this in. It looks like a photo from sometime in the 1920s.

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Capitol Building after an epic snowstorm
]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/26/beautiful-snowy-photo-capitol/feed/115031President Nixon and Sammy Davis, Jr.https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/20/president-nixon-sammy-davis-jr/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/20/president-nixon-sammy-davis-jr/#respondFri, 20 Dec 2013 20:00:50 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=14897Talk about an odd couple. Davis Jr. was in attendance back in 1963 for the March on Washington (we posted a photo earlier). Here, Nixon is granting Sammy Davis, Jr. membership to the National Advisory Council on Economic Opportunity. Source: Library of Congress]]>

Talk about an odd couple. Davis Jr. was in attendance back in 1963 for the March on Washington (we posted a photo earlier). Here, Nixon is granting Sammy Davis, Jr. membership to the National Advisory Council on Economic Opportunity.

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Pres. Nixon w/ Sammy Davis, Jr., new member of Nat’l. Advisory Council on Economic Opportunity

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/20/president-nixon-sammy-davis-jr/feed/014897Beautiful Night Photo of Capitol (1919)https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/20/beautiful-night-photo-capitol-1919/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/20/beautiful-night-photo-capitol-1919/#respondFri, 20 Dec 2013 13:30:04 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=14909It’s been a glut of Capitol Building photos this week, but I’m sure you’re okay with that. Especially, since they’re amazing old photos. Here’s another great night shot of the building in the rain, this time from 1919. Source: Library of Congress]]>

It’s been a glut of Capitol Building photos this week, but I’m sure you’re okay with that. Especially, since they’re amazing old photos.

Here’s another great night shot of the building in the rain, this time from 1919.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/20/beautiful-night-photo-capitol-1919/feed/014909Capitol Building at Night in 1907https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/18/capitol-building-night-1907/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/18/capitol-building-night-1907/#respondWed, 18 Dec 2013 13:30:27 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=14906We posted a cool night photo of the Capitol from 1921. We found another great one, this time from 1907. This was taken by Ernest Crandall. They never get old do they? Source: Library of Congress]]>

We posted a cool night photo of the Capitol from 1921. We found another great one, this time from 1907. This was taken by Ernest Crandall. They never get old do they?

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/18/capitol-building-night-1907/feed/014906President Ford’s Second Day on the Jobhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/17/president-fords-second-day-job/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/17/president-fords-second-day-job/#commentsTue, 17 Dec 2013 20:00:38 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=14916Here’s a fascinating old photo from President Ford’s Administration. It was taken on August 10th, 1974. That’s important because Nixon resigned the previous day (remember, Nixon’s not a crook). Is it just me, or does he seem to be a little too happy to be there? Maybe the expression on his face is more akin …]]>

Here’s a fascinating old photo from President Ford’s Administration. It was taken on August 10th, 1974. That’s important because Nixon resigned the previous day (remember, Nixon’s not a crook). Is it just me, or does he seem to be a little too happy to be there? Maybe the expression on his face is more akin to “how the hell did I get here?”

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Photographic negative showing President Ford seated at a table with William E. Colby, Director of CIA; Robert S. Ingersoll, Deputy Secretary of State; Henry Kissinger, Secretary of State; James R. Schlesinger, Secretary of Defense; William P. Clements, Jr., Deputy Secretary of Defense; George S. Brown, Chairman of Joint Chiefs.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/17/president-fords-second-day-job/feed/214916Amazing Washington Monument Photo From 1921https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/17/amazing-washington-monument-photo-1921/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/17/amazing-washington-monument-photo-1921/#commentsTue, 17 Dec 2013 13:30:04 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=14913Holy awesome photo. This one was labeled as the Washington Monument on Armistice Night, November 25th, 1921. We posted another Armistice-related photo a while back, but this one beats it. What a terrific photo, and a vastly different Washington Monument than this one, used as a slaughterhouse and beef depot, before it was completed. Source: …]]>

Holy awesome photo. This one was labeled as the Washington Monument on Armistice Night, November 25th, 1921. We posted another Armistice-related photo a while back, but this one beats it. What a terrific photo, and a vastly different Washington Monument than this one, used as a slaughterhouse and beef depot, before it was completed.

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Photograph shows lights beaming from the top of the Washington Monument at night, also large lights on the ground, directed up, illuminating the sides.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/17/amazing-washington-monument-photo-1921/feed/114913Wow. Great Night Rain Photo of Capitol in 1921https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/16/wow-great-night-rain-photo-capitol-1921/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/16/wow-great-night-rain-photo-capitol-1921/#respondMon, 16 Dec 2013 19:45:25 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=14904This photo is awesome. It was taken in 1921, from the steps of the Library of Congress. And, if you like it, you’re sure to like this one, and this one. Source: Library of Congress]]>

This photo is awesome. It was taken in 1921, from the steps of the Library of Congress. And, if you like it, you’re sure to like this one, and this one.

Here’s an interesting trio of celebrities in attendance at the ’63 March on Washington. Sammy Davis Jr., Charlton Heston, and Harry Belafonte.

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Charlton Heston and Harry Belafonte walking past marshals at the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington,1963

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Sammy Davis, Jr., waving to people as he walks past marshals at the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington, 1963

Source: Library of Congress

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/16/1963-march-attendees-belafonte-heston-davis-jr/feed/014885Terrific View of the Capitol Building From the Washington Monumenthttps://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/13/terrific-view-capitol-washington-monument/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/13/terrific-view-capitol-washington-monument/#commentsFri, 13 Dec 2013 16:00:12 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=14794What an excellent photo. It’s labeled as being sometime between 1900 and 1920. Any GoDCers out there able to pinpoint the actual date? Source: Library of Congress]]>

What an excellent photo. It’s labeled as being sometime between 1900 and 1920. Any GoDCers out there able to pinpoint the actual date?

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/13/terrific-view-capitol-washington-monument/feed/614794Building the Washington Monument’s Foundationhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/13/building-washington-monuments-foundation/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/13/building-washington-monuments-foundation/#commentsFri, 13 Dec 2013 13:05:00 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=14788These are two amazing images that we dug up on the Internet. The first shows the construction of a concrete foundation for the structure. The second shows the team digging down to make the foundation. Source: Digital History Project]]>

These are two amazing images that we dug up on the Internet. The first shows the construction of a concrete foundation for the structure. The second shows the team digging down to make the foundation.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/13/building-washington-monuments-foundation/feed/21478819th Century Panorama of Washingtonhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/12/19th-century-panorama-of-washington/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/12/19th-century-panorama-of-washington/#respondThu, 12 Dec 2013 22:30:00 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=14808This is a great print done by Charles Magnus, sometime in the 19th century. Source: Library of Congress]]>

This is a great print done by Charles Magnus, sometime in the 19th century.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/12/19th-century-panorama-of-washington/feed/014808Awesome 1918 View Inside the Pension Buildinghttps://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/09/awesome-1918-view-inside-pension-building/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/09/awesome-1918-view-inside-pension-building/#respondMon, 09 Dec 2013 14:30:13 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=14581This is now the National Building Museum. What an amazing photo. Source: Shorpy]]>

This is now the National Building Museum. What an amazing photo.

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Washington, D.C., circa 1918. “Pension Office interior.” This former repository of Civil War veterans’ pension records is now the National Building Museum. National Photo Company Collection glass negative.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/09/awesome-1918-view-inside-pension-building/feed/014581Pre-Truman Balcony White House Photographhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/04/pre-truman-balcony-white-house-photograph/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/04/pre-truman-balcony-white-house-photograph/#respondWed, 04 Dec 2013 15:23:40 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=14817This is a great find. It shows the White House as viewed from the South Lawn before the Truman renovation. Source: Charles W. Cushman Photograph Collection]]>

This is a great find. It shows the White House as viewed from the South Lawn before the Truman renovation.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/04/pre-truman-balcony-white-house-photograph/feed/0148171890s Photo of the White Househttps://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/03/1890s-photo-white-house/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/12/03/1890s-photo-white-house/#commentsTue, 03 Dec 2013 13:30:49 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=14754This is amazing. Look how crisp the photo is. Click on it for a larger version. Source: Library of Congress]]>

This is amazing. Look how crisp the photo is. Click on it for a larger version.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/11/29/1976-view-willard-hotel-renovation/feed/114738Memorial Bridge and Lincoln Memorial in Color (1940s)https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/11/27/memorial-bridge-lincoln-memorial-color-1940s/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/11/27/memorial-bridge-lincoln-memorial-color-1940s/#respondWed, 27 Nov 2013 17:40:49 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=14736This is a terrific old photo that we found on Flickr. It shows the Lincoln Memorial as viewed across the Memorial Bridge from Virginia. Source: Library of Congress on Flickr]]>

This is a terrific old photo that we found on Flickr. It shows the Lincoln Memorial as viewed across the Memorial Bridge from Virginia.

Memorial Bridge, looking from the Virginia side of the Potomac River across to the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C.

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/11/27/memorial-bridge-lincoln-memorial-color-1940s/feed/014736First Jewish Senator and an Ardent Secessionisthttps://ghostsofdc.org/2013/11/26/first-jewish-senator-ardent-secessionist/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/11/26/first-jewish-senator-ardent-secessionist/#commentsTue, 26 Nov 2013 13:30:15 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=14587We came across some interesting history while digging through the rabbit hole that is Wikipedia. David Levy Yulee, of Florida, was not only one of the first senators from that state, but he was also the first Jewish senator. He was first seated, along with James Wescott, as the inaugural senators from the state of …]]>David L. Yulee (U.S. National Archives)

We came across some interesting history while digging through the rabbit hole that is Wikipedia. David Levy Yulee, of Florida, was not only one of the first senators from that state, but he was also the first Jewish senator.

He was first seated, along with James Wescott, as the inaugural senators from the state of Florida, which was admitted to the Union on March 3rd, 1845. He served only one term, being defeated in his bid for re-election and was out of office in 1851. He was back in the Senate in 1855, having been elected to the other seat, serving all the way until the outbreak of the Civil War.

The Senator withdrew from Congress on January 21st, 1861 on the eve of the war and joined the Congress of the Confederacy. As a result of his participation in the Confederate government, he was imprisoned for nine months at Fort Pulaski, near Savannah, Georgia.

He died in 1886 and below is his obituary in The Washington Post, printed on October 11th, 1886.

David L. Yulee was born in the West Indies of Hebrew extraction, in 1811, but when quite young was removed to Virginia, where he received the rudiments of a classical education. He emigrated to Florida in 1824, and, after studying law, he divided his time between the practice of his profession and agriculture. He was a delegate to Congress from the Territory of Florida from 1841 to 1845, bearing the name of Levy, and as Yulee (having changed his name) was a delegate to the convention which formed the State constitution; was elected a United Stat [sic] Senator in 1845 and continued in the United States Senate till [sic] 1861, officiating as chairman of the COmmittee on Post-offices and Post Roads. He was also president of the Atlantic and Gulf Railroad in Florida. Before the war he was one of the leading secessionists. As a Confederate he withdrew from the United States Senate in 1861, and at the close of the war he was confined in Fort Pulaski as a prisoner of State.

Senator Yulee belonged to a far-off and almost nebulous period of our politics. Long anterior to the war, as a Senator from Florida, he was better known than the State he represented. He was a man of great vitality, and though a generous liver was a prudent abstainer. While in public life he was recognized as one of the rich men of the Senate. He lost a large fortune during the war, after which, unlike most of his Southern brethren, he made several large investments in railroads, and through fortunate speculations made another handsome competency. He was attracted to Washington by its beauty, and invested a large sum in his magnificent house at 1315 Connecticut avenue, which is said to be one of the most complete and elaborately furnished in the city. The ex-Senator was also largely interested in business property, which yielded him a profitable income.

Sadly, but not surprisingly, his home no longer stands. It was located near where the Starbucks and Mad Hatter sit today.

David Levy Yulee
]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/11/26/first-jewish-senator-ardent-secessionist/feed/114587Capitol Building and Pennsylvania Avenue Before 1814https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/11/22/capitol-building-pennsylvania-avenue-1814/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/11/22/capitol-building-pennsylvania-avenue-1814/#commentsFri, 22 Nov 2013 20:15:11 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=14602This is a cool old painting from the early 19th century. It shows the Capitol Building as it would have looked during the first decade of the 1800s. Source: Library of Congress]]>

This is a cool old painting from the early 19th century. It shows the Capitol Building as it would have looked during the first decade of the 1800s.

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view down Pennsylvania Avenue toward Capitol Building

Source: Library of Congress

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/11/22/capitol-building-pennsylvania-avenue-1814/feed/214602Kennedy Throws Out First Pitch at 1962 All-Star Gamehttps://ghostsofdc.org/2013/11/22/kennedy-throws-first-pitch-1962-star-game/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/11/22/kennedy-throws-first-pitch-1962-star-game/#respondFri, 22 Nov 2013 20:10:41 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=14571Check out this great photo from the 1962 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. It was held at the new D.C. Stadium (now RFK).]]>

Check out this great photo from the 1962 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. It was held at the new D.C. Stadium (now RFK).

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Kennedy throwing out the first pitch in 1962
]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/11/22/kennedy-throws-first-pitch-1962-star-game/feed/014571Kennedy and the National Symphony Orchestrahttps://ghostsofdc.org/2013/11/22/kennedy-national-symphony-orchestra/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/11/22/kennedy-national-symphony-orchestra/#respondFri, 22 Nov 2013 20:00:23 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=14706Before the Kennedy Center opening, the National Symphony Orchestra would perform at D.A.R. Constitution Hall. Below is an advertisement from The Washington Post, printed on November 22nd, 1963 with a quote from President Kennedy.]]>

Before the Kennedy Center opening, the National Symphony Orchestra would perform at D.A.R. Constitution Hall. Below is an advertisement from The Washington Post, printed on November 22nd, 1963 with a quote from President Kennedy.

We posted the interior photos yesterday, and today we’re posting the exterior ones.

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Southwest View of the North Portico of the White House during the Renovation – June 5th, 1951

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New Steps of the South Portico Being Erected during the White House Renovation – January 4th, 1942

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View of the Northeast Corner of the White House during the Renovation – November 6th, 1950

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Removing Debris from the Renovation of the White House – February 27th, 1950

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View of the South Portico of the White House – February 16th, 1952

Source: U.S. National Archives

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/11/21/exterior-photos-white-house-renovation/feed/114665Interior Photos of White House Renovationhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2013/11/20/interior-photos-white-house-renovation/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/11/20/interior-photos-white-house-renovation/#commentsWed, 20 Nov 2013 18:30:18 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=14653We found these great photos at the National Archives. These document the major renovation project undertaken during President Truman’s administration. Source: U.S. National Archives]]>

We found these great photos at the National Archives. These document the major renovation project undertaken during President Truman’s administration.

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White House lobby – December 27th, 1949

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Second floor corridor – February 9th, 1950

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interior shell of the White House – May 15th, 1950

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bedroom and sitting room – February 27th, 1950

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second floor oval study – March 9th, 1950

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view from Lincoln bedroom – January 23rd, 1951

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interior shell of the White House – 1950

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construction equipment inside the White House – 1950

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lower corridor of the White House – February 15th, 1950

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main White House staircase – February 23rd, 1950

Source: U.S. National Archives

]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/11/20/interior-photos-white-house-renovation/feed/214653Cheney Steps Out of Rumsfeld’s Shadowhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2013/11/20/cheney-steps-out-of-rumsfelds-shadow/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/11/20/cheney-steps-out-of-rumsfelds-shadow/#respondWed, 20 Nov 2013 13:31:57 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=14606This is a fascinating old article from The Washington Post, printed on Thursday, november 6th, 1975. Dick Cheney was about to replace Donald Rumsfeld as President Ford’s Chief of Staff. The second most powerful office in the White House changed hands yesterday and no one noticed any difference. That’s because Richard Bruce Cheney, who officially replaced …]]>Cheney and Rumsfeld

This is a fascinating old article from The Washington Post, printed on Thursday, november 6th, 1975. Dick Cheney was about to replace Donald Rumsfeld as President Ford’s Chief of Staff.

The second most powerful office in the White House changed hands yesterday and no one noticed any difference.

That’s because Richard Bruce Cheney, who officially replaced Donald Rumsfeld as the No. 1 White House staff member, has been preparing for his new job for a long time. As Rumsfeld’s assistant, and alter ego, he was totally trusted by his boss and frequently substituted for Rumsfeld in chairing senior staff meetings and briefing the President.

Ever since Rumsfeld reorganized the White House staff in 1974 the word has been clear to those dealing with Mr. Ford: Cheney speaks for Rumsfeld and Rumsfeld speaks for the President.

Unlike Rumsfeld, a former congressman who has long been suspected of having presidential ambitions, Cheney is not considered politically ambitious. He is both an academic and a businessman, but his chief flair is thorough and unremitting staff work which has earned him a reputation for competence within the White House and on Capitol Hill.

…

It was no secret that Cheney admired Rumsfeld’s hard-driving competence. And it was no secret either that Rumsfeld, who can be abrasive, highly valued Cheney’s ability to mollify bureaucrats or reporters who may have been put off by Rumsfeld’s bluntness.

But Cheney turned down a chance to go to Brussels when Rumsfeld went there as NATO asmbassador [sic]. Instead, he went into a small brokerage partnership with friends in Washington and New York.

The night that President Nixon resigned, Rumsfeld called Cheney and asked him to meet at the airport. The next week Cheney took a 10 days’ leave to help Rumsfeld reorganize the White House. Six weeks later, at Rumsfeld’s request, Cheney divested his business interests and went to the White House full time.

Cheney said yesterday that he expects to be less visible than Rumsfeld, who was a political figure in his own right.

“I really do believe that a staff man should be anonymous,” Cheney said.

…

The new White House chief of staff calls his responsibility “a very heavy one” by believes he is up to it. The word at the White House is that his biggest problem is likely to be filling the No. 2 staff job with a “Dick Cheney” of his own.

Cheney, Rumsfeld, and Ford

Cheney and Rumsfeld in 1975
]]>https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/11/20/cheney-steps-out-of-rumsfelds-shadow/feed/0146061966 Op-Ed by Congressman Donald Rumsfeldhttps://ghostsofdc.org/2013/11/18/1966-op-ed-by-congressman-donald-rumsfeld/
https://ghostsofdc.org/2013/11/18/1966-op-ed-by-congressman-donald-rumsfeld/#commentsMon, 18 Nov 2013 20:00:07 +0000https://ghostsofdc.org/?p=14604Some of you may not know or remember that Donald Rumsfeld was once a Congressman from Illinois, representing the 13th district. He was elected in 1962 and served from 1963 until 1969, and then went on to do a few other small things in government. Below is an old opinion piece that we came across …]]>

Some of you may not know or remember that Donald Rumsfeld was once a Congressman from Illinois, representing the 13th district. He was elected in 1962 and served from 1963 until 1969, and then went on to do a few other small things in government.

Congressman Donald Rumsfeld in 1969

Below is an old opinion piece that we came across in The Washington Post from May 1st, 1966.

I heartily subscribe to the views expressed in your editorial of April 23, “Camouflaged Patronage.” On March 10, I introduced a bill (H.R. 13586) to remove the appointment of local postmasters from political interference.

The Civil Service Commission was established to prevent deterioration of Government services by eliminating the appointment of unqualified or inadequately prepared personnel. The quality of postal service is, in many cased being harmed by this same type of political appointment. I object to that time-honored institution, the politically appointed postmaster. Rapid and reliable postal service is a necessity, not a luxury. The Post Office Department should be run on a business-like basis. This will be achieved only if the Congress takes politics out of the Post Office Department.